Automatically adjusting band system

Abstract

Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump has a plurality of actuators configured to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to implantable medical devices, and in particular implantable gastric restriction devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Obesity is becoming a growing concern, particularly in the United States, as the number of obese people continues to increase, and more is learned about the negative health effects of obesity. Morbid obesity, in which a person is 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight, in particular poses significant risks for severe health problems. Accordingly, a great deal of attention is being focused on treating obese patients. One method of treating morbid obesity has been to place a restriction device, such as an elongated band, about the upper portion of the stomach. Gastric bands have typically comprised a fluid-filled elastomeric balloon with fixed endpoints that encircles the stomach just inferior to the esophageal-gastric junction to form a small gastric pouch above the band and a reduced stoma opening in t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Also disclosed herein is a pumping device including a fluid conduit member having a passageway formed therethrough, and a plurality of orientation-changing actuators disposed within the fluid conduit member. Each actuator is independently configurable between a normal, relaxed state in which the actuator occludes a portion of the passageway of the fluid conduit member and...

Problems solved by technology

Morbid obesity, in which a person is 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight, in particular poses significant risks for severe health problems.

During these gastric band adjustments, it has been difficult to determine how the adjustment is proceeding, and whether the adjustment will have the intended effect.

However, fluoroscopy is both expensive and undesirable due to the radiation doses incurred by both the physician and patient.

This method, however, only assures that the patient is not obstructing, and does not provide any information about the efficacy of the adjustment.

Oftentimes, a physician may simply adopt a “try as you go” method based upon their prior experien...

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